Kia Sorento Real World MPG

mpghobbyist · September 2012

[guess that post was too long, continuing here]

...maintain velocity without wasting as much fuel as a larger engine. The open question is if real engineering, realistic driving conditions, and habits can take advantage. All-in-all the 4's still get better gas mileage than the 6's, enough to justify? It's close, the Sorento GDI4 is the only crossover I drove that had enough throttle response that along with lower price, and est. 2-4 MPG better seemed worth it.

"still average 27 when they say up to 32. don't count on really good gas mileage. Traded in a Nissan Altima that was getting 32 and if I knew
Consumer Reports says the 4-cyl Sorento gets 20 mpg average"

CR says 20 combined (RAV4 22, CRV 23), but that's for the non-GDI 4. The 150 mile round trip they report 25. They also report they CAN get 28 (EPA 21/28) and I wager when the GDI 4 review comes out they'll get 31 or 32 in ideal conditions. And the Altima, though it gets 32 on the 150 mile trip, gets 26 combined. I admit that's fantastic, but just pointing out the "26" and the "20" pair, and that you might have also been turned off by CR's 26 combined rating if 32 was the expectation.

I admit that the EPA ratings are disproportionally not met among the gas-saving crossovers when compared to sedans and eco cars, which often exceed. If i wasn't going from a sports car to a crossover I'd probably be less satisfied then I am. But technology is moving in right direction and owning a modern SUV with today's gas prices is more viable than most older models.

mpghobbyist · September 2012

So after I filled it and went to set the trip odometer I realized I made a bad assumption about watching the trip miles and the gas mileage on the same screen (so that also means it's useless to take picture of it). Since there was a few miles on the car, I overestimated and I think the other poster who said it's off by 11% is about right. That is pretty bad. Makes sense now that I'm resetting the MPG in different circumstances to see what it says. On freeway with rolling hills (in either direction) for 10-15 mile stretch I can get it to show 36 MPG pretty easy driving between 55 and 75+ (depending up or downhill), so it definitely is capable of 32 on freeway with 10% error. city of course is the killer. going to work on that next.

kg482 · September 2012

I just got my 2013 LX FWD GDI with about 1600 miles driven so far. The highest average read I got the car to read is 34.8mpg. I notice that the average MPG displayed on the dash is not even close! It's typically saying 29 (I drive about 60% highway, 40% city), but when I do the math (and i use the pocket garage app on iphone) it is averaging between 24.5-25 mpg. I think the error is more than 11%.

1000001miles · September 2012

We had a 2011 Kia Sorento four cylinder which we reluctantly drove over 28000 miles before giving up on Kia all together. The mileage was bad from the beginning and never improved: 18-19mpg in town and 23-25mpg on the road. It was possible to get nearly 27mpg if we were willing to drive 55mph on the freeway. When new, we were given the usual song and dance about driving it another 5000 miles and the mileage would improve. Having driven many cars over many years, I have never owned a car that the mileage improved more than a 1/2 mile per gallon; my GMC diesel truck did improve about 1 mile per gallon after 15000 miles. This obseervation held true with the Kia.

We traded a Saturn Vue on the Kia; the Vue averaged over 2mpg better overall with considerably better mileage on the road and slightly worse in town. It was a disappointment to have less power and worse mileage for our trouble.

What finally pushed us to unload the Kia was the inept service department in our home town. After 27000 miles, the tranmission clunked when we put the Kia in drive. We were leaving in a couple days on a 3000 trip. The first person we spoke to in the service department told us "They all do that after a while." That seemed unreasonable so I asked the service manager to look; he and a service tech determined it was a broken motor mount. They didn't have the part but promised it would be in in two days, but as you might expect, it didn't arrive. They did send us an email stating that it was okay to drive the car on this trip with a broken motor mount, (ugh) and the part was being overnighted, why I don't know. We called ahead to the dealer in Dubuque and had them contact our local dealer to verify serial numbers and part numbers so we could get it fixed upon arrival. Long story short, it didn't have a broken motor mount, but there was a service bulletin out which the Dubuque service man used to correctly diagnose the problem and fix it. They also had to order the third brake/ignition interface switch which had been replaced twice at our local dealer, but aparently incorrectly installed. When we left Dubuque all was again well except the mileage. If we lived in Dubuque, we would have kept the car; at least they have a good service department. On the way home, the AC dripped into the passenger foot area and soaked my wife's pocketbook. Our local dealer once again (ugh) failed to please. They said they idled the car for three hours and decided that it leaked because we didn't use max (recirculating) air; if we used max air it shouldn't happen any more. When asked why the problem should start after 28000 miles and not before, they had no answer. The GM was unavailable to discuss any of this.

We went next door and traded it for a Pruis V. It gets an honest 40-44mpg as advertised; we get a little better because of our driving habits which didn't help in the Kia. It also has 34.3 cu ft of cargo space behind the second row of seats (Kia has 37), and has more passenger leg room. We will save about $1500/yr in gas at our present usage and gas prices so will recoup most of our money in 5 years. I am waiting to see if any suits come up for Kia and their mileage claim in comparison to the pitiful actual results. I would also encourage you to give Prius V a look if you don't need the ground clearance. (5.7 vs 7.2 inches)

1000001miles · September 2012

the mileage computer in our Kia read about 10-12% high as to actual also; I guess when you have a problem , you need to "help" any way you can.

mcknigal · September 2012

I'm now up to 18,500 miles on my 2012 Sorento GDI, and am trying to schedule a "test drive" with the dealer. Their plan is to do a 75 mile trip to see for their own eyes what the MPG should be. I'm very skeptical of this, but plan to have either me or someone I know be in the car for the test drive.

All I know is that I've *consistently* averaged 22.2 mpg for the life of the car. The absolute best fuel economy I have gotten is 26mpg on an all-highway trip. My driving is 50% highway anyway.

There has been no break-in period, which they told me there would be. Personally, I think this is absolute B.S. ... modern engines shouldn't require a break in period.

Here is my mileage tracking chart: http://postimage.org/image/5zl01ivlt/

joehick · September 2012

I to am waiting on a lawsuit. I have two letters into the president of kia in Atlanta. I recieved a color brochure on how to drive for better mileage. I mailed it back to him.
Love the vechicle, hate the mpg, esp. as advertised

marilyn17 · September 2012

kia sorrento 6000 miles 17.6 average MPG for city and expressway. Kia said get a diagnostic test at a kia dealer WHICH I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR! Looking for class action suit. Told to go to same pump same time of day to record and keep track.
Class action suit available???I'm in.

lanshi · September 2012

Just got back from Ohio and the mpg was horrible. I am at 30,000 and it is a 2012 so they can't tell me I don't have enough miles on it. I am at the point of looking for another vehicle with the mpg as this one is killing me on gas. I haven't seen a class action suit yet anywhere. Don't waste your time with Kia corp as I too got a brocher and laughed at it . They just lied to all of their Sorento owner bottom line. I don't think any of the dealers get on to this website or I would think they would look it to it. :mad:

plh843 · September 2012

I have almost all of the comments and several things stand out. Some people are getting excellent mileage, close to advertised and others something akin to aweful. Lets assume everyone drives differently but the kind of differential here seems way out out of whack. Couple of ideas, for starters the gauge calculations seem to be wildly unpredicable, such as mileage changing radically while sitting at idle, also seems there is now real concrete discussion as to whether the software may vary from one owner to the next. It seems also that with some folks break in made a difference and others it did not. If there is one thing that is consistant, its that there is nothing consistant. Reasons may be driving techniques, computer logic learning (if any), type and brand of fuel and others. The responses from KIA service are also whacky, one place states one thing for break in another something far different. I purchased the Sorento for my wife, parting with a Volvo S60 5 cylinder that consistenly got poor mielage until the tires were changed out and some BG44K was used. Got a 2.5 MPG boost to 20.3 around town and 28 or so on the road. I expected the same or slightly better from the GDI 4 cylinder.

One thing of note, the idle of the GDI is very erratic, sometimes smooth as glass other times down right rough. Dealer did an update that improved it but still there seems to be the same problem but to a lesser degree. Is anyone else having this issue? I wish the computer had an instant MPG read versus the average. You can tell a lot more from that. I am riding this out for a while and see if it gets better with some decent gas. Currently getting 17 around town on short trips. One more thing, where is your temp gauge sitting when driving? Mine is below center which seems odd.

Good luck to all!

mpghobbyist · September 2012

Jawilson, my idle is consistent, but it feels way too fast. I can idle at nearly 10 mph in drive. On my first service I'll have them check it. Idling this fast, i'm not so sure the MPG guage is any more broken in idle than at other time, it may kill your MPG that much. temp is 1 notch below half I think. (most cars have a special line or something where it should be, this one doesnt).

.....

After my second test tank of gas, I've confirmed the MPG guage off by 10-11 percent. I got 26.8 (or 29.5 KiaMiles/gallon - KMPG) average after 1 full week, 5 days of 60 mile commuting w/ 80% freeway, and a handful of miles to store, restaraunts etc. after work and on weekend with bad traffic. I'd fill up my Celica GTS every 7 days using midgrade. My fillup this week with the Kia was 45$ (about a notch below half) with regular, lower than any celica fillup i had since May, about 2-5$ less. That was one of my goals, to pay about the same for gas as I did with my Celica. Granted, I drive the KIA for maximum MPG and the Celica I'd just lock cruise control at 75 and not think about it. But that doesn't mean I only drive 55, if there is traffic, I might, because the payoff for weaving around is so low anyway, but more typical is 65-70.

Some things that have helped me get better MPG from my first attempt I reported:

-not idling at drivethroughs forever (I still idled on last tank to keep the comparison with celica more or less fair)
-reset the MPG guage on freeway while driving 60, try to get it up to at least 36KMPG, and then try to keep it from falling when getting into town; as opposed to setting it in town and building it up on freeway; easier to see what's killing you.
-try to brake as little as possible, if you think the lights going to change red, let it roll out.
-this thing rolls forever, i'm getting better at not using gas just as i'm coming over a hill i know will get me up to speed with gravity down the other side.

Next thing is to optimize up/downhill on freeway, resetting MPG guage liberally and recording results with different kinds of speed variations.

and remember: with equivalent technology, a car will always get better MPG than an SUV. Laws of physics, more mass requires greater force to move it. period. with SUV we should shoot for "good enough", not "good".

1000001miles · September 2012

The worst "posted" mileage estimates I've seen in 40 years are Kia's. The Prius V I traded my Sorento in on is estimated to get 44 city and 40 hwy with an average 42. After 2500 miles the three measured tanks of gas have produced 41.6, 44.5, and 39.6mpg. The 39.6 was achieved at 73- 75mph on the interstate mostly. With a range of 450 miles, it's hard to get an all hwy number. If Toyota can post fairly accurate mileage numbers, there is no reason KIA can't, but them they couldn't sell cars...

mpghobbyist · September 2012

It's looking like the trip estimator is way off -- though it's still useful as it appears consistently off -- but I have no reason to believe the Sorento doesn't get EPA. I finished my second week getting a combined of 26.5-27. That's measuring at the pump. EPA is 25 combined, though most will have a few more city miles than I do. Comparing a hybrid car to a standard SUV is a bit iffy. Just looking at the numbers alone, 44/40 differ by 10%, so your percentage city and highway driving is isn't relevant, you'll be in the ballpark no matter what. but 32/22 differ by about a third. It's very easy to ruin the "32" with stop-and-go driving, but EPA isn't "32", it's "32/22" with expected 25. The Sorento can get 32 on the freeway, i've done it for miles at a time in both directions.

What would really help if data was provided showing gas mileage as a function of different velocities/acceleration etc., so one can make selection based on their driving preferences and constraints. Though this exaggerates the point a bit, you can google an episode of Top Gear showing a Prius getting worse MPG than an M3 on a track.

joehick · September 2012

the bottom line here, and I said this before, is the sorrento is to big for the 4cyl engine. 4 cyl pulling 5000 lbs of vechile. I'll bet I have talked more than a dozen people out of buying this vechile. Again, I love it, but the mileage sucks and they lied about it.
I still can't believe after writing the president of KIA American, he responded with a color brouchure on how to drive for better mileage!!!!
I mailed it right back to him with a few words.

side_show_tom · September 2012

I don't understand all the angst about not achieving the EPA estimates, and somehow thinking KIA is responsible for deceptive advertising. KIA has absolutely nothing to do with EPA mileage estimates, and even the EPA qualifies their estimates with the standard, "your mileage may vary" disclaimer.

Talk of a lawsuit over EPA estimates is ignorance. Using the vehicle's trip computer to determine mileage is also ignorance. The EPA doesn't, and neither should you.

Most of the anger seems to be directed at the 4 cylinder mileage, and has already been pointed out, loading 3-4 passengers into a 2 ton vehicle, and expecting EPA mileage results is ridiculous too. Read the EPA testing parameters, duplicate them as closely as possible, and your results should approximate the EPA's. I have the V6 SX AWD, and my mileage is within +/- 3%.

A vehicle with this size and weight will give much more consistent mileage with the larger horsepower and torque of the V6, and the EPA mileage estimates between the 6 and the 4 were only 2 MPG. Why buy the 4 at all? Better to have the V6 power available and not need it, than vice versa.

I have had my Sorento 6 weeks, driven 1200 miles, and love it.

side_show_tom · September 2012

KIA has nothing to do with EPA mileage estimates, and did not lie about anything. They are restricted by law on advertising anything BUT EPA mileage.

I think the President of KIA was more than polite to reply to your message at all. He sent you a brochure on how to achieve the EPA mileage by altering your driving habits, what more would you expect him to do?

If you think the Sorento is too heavy for the 4 cylinder, you should have bought the V6, but you cheaped out, and now you have no one to blame but yourself, not that you are not trying.

side_show_tom · September 2012

Get a life Wilson. Take a good hard look in your rear view mirror, and there you will see the problem. The reason you are not getting the EPA mileage is YOU!

It's your driving habits, speed off the line, vehicle load weight, local vs. high %, or likely all of the above. If you had researched the vehicle properly, you would have gotten the V6.

The idea that KIA is participating in a conspiracy to fool people about EPA mileage is absurd. The EPA mileage ESTIMATES are on every new car window sticker in America, you cannot listen to salesman, or anyone else in this regard.

The nanny state has required consistent and published EPA estimates for years. Man up and take responsibility for your decisions and driving habits, and quit your whining, please.

joehick · September 2012

Let me explain one more time about the Angst. I bought the 2012 4 cyl sorento about a year ago, was troubled at the mpg I was getting, 12mpg city and about 18 hgwy. Told everyone about the problem and was told about the breakin period, and even was sent a brouchure by the president of kia on how to drive for better mpg.
Well the bottom line is not matter the EPA estimates or not KIA sells this product based on that, and to me that is deceptive, and they certainley do that, proclaiming ther great mpg this gets. I have done all the test scenarios you can think of, and not by the mpg calc on my tripometer, but by actual fuel used vs mileage, and not with 3-4 people in the vechicle, just me.
So good luck with your KIA, but please don't tell me what I already know, and that the MPG claim by KIA is CRAP.

stever · September 2012

That's the argument Honda used when they were sued for puffing about their mileage ("fuel economy estimates AHM advertised could not be achieved under normal driving conditions."). Honda settled the class action:

Honda Civic Hybrid Settlement

Just like manufacturers built to crash tests, I think they tune the car's computers to do good on the mileage tests they do to meet the fuel economy regulations. Those numbers don't seem to translate well to the real world for some makes.

Both Kia and Hyundai are getting a reputation for their vehicles not getting the EPA miles per gallon estimates in the real world.

mcknigal · September 2012

Dude -- the issue is that KIA splashes the EPA estimates all over billboards and TV ads. If they were reluctant to stand behind them, then they wouldn't feature them so prominently in their marketing. THAT is my (and probably many) people's issue...

And, moreover, I paid an extra $1800 to be able to access the GDI technology due to , again, KIA's over the top promotion of it over the std 4 cylinder. As it stands, the difference in MPG is more realistically a few MPG, instead of the bigger difference many of us expected.

If you read most of the posts in this thread, you will see that people are tracking each tank fill vs mileage, not the dash display. So, drop that.

Go back several posts and you'll see my detailed mileage over the last 17,000 miles. I've only achieved 26 mpg once. I drive at least 50% highway miles. The range stated on the window sticker for highway (26-38) is meant to be a distribution. I don't expect it to be a normal distribution (bell curve), but I don't expect that I could never stay hover in the low end of the range on several all-highway trips.

marilyn17 · September 2012

You are not upset because you got what you paid for.

side_show_tom · September 2012

This lawsuit pertains to a hybrid car, and is not really comparable. However, lets examine it anyway. People sued because Honda advertised the car as having 50 MPH. Completely true, for the EPA highway estimate. The ads also correctly, and legally disclosed this fact in the written part that flashes on the screen. Whatever your thought are on this being a proper disclosure it met the legal requirements.

So a bunch of people too ignorant to do proper due diligence regarding a vehicle purchase filed a class action. As is typical, Honda chose to settle instead of litigate, for cost reasons. What was the settlement? Up to $1K off of a new Honda to those eligible, if purchased within 1 year, and here is the best part, a free DVD on changing your driving habits to improve gas mileage.

It is estimated that trading in your old Honda for $1K off a new one is going to net the average owner about $200 in savings, and the % of people expected to do so is very small.

The bottom line is do the proper research on anything you plan to buy. The cost of the GDI engine versus the regular 4 divided by the fuel savings means you are going to spend years waiting for the MPG difference to pay back the higher cost. These differences have been documented by Consumer Reports and all of the car magazines.

How many of the people on here complaining actually test drove the Sorentos in all 3 different engine configs? How many knew their % of local vs. highway driving, since the GDI's better mileage comes from highway driving.

Its typical of Americans today to want to blame others for their own poor decisions. They can't even compare EPA mileage, which is designed to offer comparisons between vehicles, NOT guarantee you mileage of that particular vehicle. What part of "Mileage is for comparison purposes only, your mileage likely to vary" is ambiguous?

If any of these whiners had done a test drive between vehicles, and not bought the V6 for a 2 ton high profile vehicle, especially when the EPA difference is only 2 MPH, what is left to say?

Hire a lawyer, file suit, wait 2 years or more, get a coupon that nets you a $200 savings if you buy another KIA, and get your driving habits DVD.

The president of KIA will send you a driving habits color brochure right now for free. Seems to me to be your best option.

You can't fix stupid.

stever · September 2012

I was surprised that Honda settled since the law essentially lets the manufacturers off the hook for publishing EPA ratings.

I don't think the fact that it was a hybrid really matter; the suits attacked the advertising.

It would be nice if there was a site with a large number of owners reporting in, not just ones with low mpg. Fueleconomy.gov has the right idea, but only a handful of owners reporting.

side_show_tom · September 2012

They settled because it was less expensive than litigation. The people that sued got next to nothing. The lawyers got a nice payday, as is typical. People that talk about suing usually have little or no experience with doing so.

side_show_tom · September 2012

Sorry, I meant the cost per MILE driven for gas is 16.66 cents @ 24 MPG, and 16.0 cents at 25 MPG.

side_show_tom · September 2012

You got what you paid for too, you just did poor research, and now you want someone else to bail you out of it. EPA milage numbers do not in any way guarantee you that mileage. They are for comparison purposes only, between different makes and models.

side_show_tom · September 2012

KIA did not create and is not responsible for the EPA mileage figures, so your complaint that they wont stand behind them does not make any sense. EPA mileage figures are to be used to compare the mileage between different makes and models, they in no way guarantee you that that is the mileage you will get. In fact, they all state that your mileage will probably vary.

The standard 4 cylinder in the Sportage gets an EPA combined 24 MPG, and the GDI gets 25, only 1 more MPG.

With gas at $4.00 per gallon, and driving 12K miles per year, it would take you over 22 years to recoup the higher cost of the GDI engine, if as you stated, you paid $1800 more to have it.

marilyn17 · September 2012

My guess is that you are in the car business or have some dealing with the car industry. Used car salesman perhaps?

marilyn17 · September 2012

OK my plan,,,,starting the end of OCT. I am putting signs on my vehicle.....

DO YOUR RESEARCH......17 MPG HIGHWAY!!!! 17 MPG HIGHWAY!!!! DON'T BELIEVE WHAT YOU'RE TOLD! 17 MPG HIGHWAY !!!

and drive around the 3 car malls that have Kia dealerships...I will also put balloons on my car and do this for the last 4 days at the end of every month. Maybe this will help the next consumer from being misled and then get blamed for not doing enough research. I also have friends who think this is funny and a great idea who are willing to make a parade. I unfortunately don't think it's funny at all but WILL make my statement.

side_show_tom · September 2012

I do not work in the car industry, or in a support industry either. I am a car enthusiast and read most of the car magazines, and go to many car shows.

I am unfazed by your suggestion that I must be a used car salesman as well, even though I am not. You are making assumptions based on old stereotypes. Most car dealers, including the used car ones, are interested in happy customers and repeat business.

I have the following suggestions for you, which are free, so take them or leave them as you will.

Its a CAR. Its not worth getting upset over, although I do understand your frustrations. What is a few lost MPG's compared to the time you are spending angry? Life is to short to let things like this determine your happiness.

If you are that upset, make an appointment to see the GM of the dealership, and explain to him that you need a car with better MPG, and the Sorento is not meeting your expectations, and ask him to work with you on a fair trade in on another model with better mileage. Perhaps a Sportage would work better if you need an SUV, or maybe if MPG is primary, choose one of the smaller cars.

You will take a depreciation hit if your car is a 2012, or 2013, but its not as bad as it used to be. Maybe the Used Car Manager or GM will give you a better deal to maintain customer relations, maybe not.

To get the most amount of money for your car, the best thing to do is to sell it on Auto Trader yourself, which is not that hard, but you need to be careful, and read their instructions. The California DMV has instructions on its website telling you everything you need to know to sell the car yourself, maybe your states DMV does as well.

What I would NOT do is what you are planning as far as making a scene in front of KIA dealerships. It is likely to harden their resolve that it is your fault, not theirs. As the old saying goes, you get more flies with honey than you so with vinegar.

Again, its just a car, a few hundred dollars per year in gas. In the great scheme of things, it is nothing, a mere annoyance. Many people with true challenges in their lives wish that was all they had to worry about.

The sooner you put it behind you and move on to happiness, the better your life will be.

Hope that helps.

side_show_tom · September 2012

I found this article here on the Edmunds about how EPA Mileage is determined, and how to use it.

http://www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy/explained-2008-epa-fuel-economy-ratings.html-

side_show_tom · September 2012

Here is another article from right here at Edmunds that attempts to duplicate the 40 MPG Mileage claims of 6 small cars. Explains very well how EPA Mileage numbers are determined and how close the test vehicles came to meeting EPA expectations.

http://www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy/the-40-mpg-challenge.html

onefunkar · September 2012

the honda lawsuit on the hybrid had to do with honda reprogramming the car and the mileage went down after the reprogramming.

jawilson · September 2012

Hey Tom, the Edmund's link includes the following, speaking of the new 2008 ratings:

Do you have one of these cars? Does your experience more closely match the "new" ratings? For the majority of owners, it should.

jawilson · September 2012

Replying to Side Show Tom

Sorry to hear you are out of work, Tom. Creating a side show on our discussion seems to be your only employment, taking us away from our primary interestto share our experience with the Kia Sorentos mileage. You never told us your experiencejust +/- 3%. Do you own a Sorento? If not, you dont belong here.

So you think that all of us are poor drivers, do you? How do you know that? You have made hasty assumptions that our driving habits are fuel consuming, and that we failed to do any research before we bought a Sorento. I spent seven months comparing crossover vehicles and I have multiple huge spreadsheets comparing scores of parameters from curb weight and engine torque to IIHS and NHTSA ratings. I drove so many vehicles that the salespeople at all the local dealerships know me on a first name basis, and hate to see me come in because they know I only buy a car every 10 years.

I studied the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA), which was a joint venture of Chrysler, Mitsubishi and Hyundai. Begun in 2005, the 2.4 L DOHC was the block for the Theta engine, and subsequently the Theta-II. Direct injection usually adds 12% improvement to the engine (according to EPA) so one could expect significant gains in mileage even without a supercharger. The Theta-IIs asymmetrical piston head is hemispherical on one side and scooped on the other to swirl the igniting fuel-air mixture for increased efficiency. Indeed, the EPA rating of the Theta-II GDI in the Sorento struck a class-leading 22/32.

The proof of the fuel efficiency and the feel of the engine in the vehicle are in driving the Sorento. Consumer Reports claimed the 3.6 L V-6 got 20 mpg and the 2.4 L 4-Cylinder non-GDI got the same. I reasoned that with a GDI and my driving skills, I could get at least 12% more fuel efficiency. I even read this discussion, and like you, Tom, I decided that the owners complaining was from poor driving, or perhaps from mis-tuned engines. I was shocked to get 19.5 mpg on the first tank.

Is it my driving? I dont think so. I owned a 2001 Honda Civic Hybrid with an EPA rating of 48/47, and I was one of the few who got 47.7 mpgnon-stop on the highway for 250 miles. The 13 gallon tank could theoretically go 600 miles before refueling, but it was more like 400-450 because the usual mileage was 42 mpg, and the dash reading was 15-20 percent inflated (the 47.7 actual mpg read 54 on the dash.) During the six years that I drove the hybrid, I averaged 37 mpg overall (all seasons, empty, full, city, highway) which was exactly what Consumer Reports reported as their average mileage! I unloaded the care early because my wife would not ride in itshe was not comfortable in the seat! But I learned how to save fuel: let the engine stop at each traffic light; accelerate slowly, avoid hills, and unlike the Prius, driving fast (70-80 mph) did not compromise the mileage. (There is an instantaneous mpg readout and a trip-odometer readout also, so you know exactly when you are doing your best.)

I just filled the tank in the Sorento-- 57 gallons in 1250 miles (21.9 mpg.) A disappointment, but I did register 24 mpg on the last fill-up: a 200 mile round trip mainly on highway. The dash read 29 mpg, an annoyance equal to the Honda inflated readings.

I expect my speedometer to be within 1-2% accuracy, and my tachometer and clock even better. There is no excuse for inaccurate measurement of fuel consumption. My 2001 Acura MDX was within 1% of actual mileage, and my Hyundai Sonata is within 2%.

Lets hear from some new Sorento owners.

side_show_tom · October 2012

I clearly stated in my post that I own a Sorento, 2013, with the V6. It was the same sentence where I said my mileage was +/- 3% of EPA estimates.

At no time did I ever say I was unemployed. Reading comprehension is not your strength.

I did not do spreadsheets or drive dozens of cars before buying my Sorento. I do drive a new car every couple of years, either through work or personal ownership. I did drive both a 4 cylinder GDI and the V6 before buying, and 2 trim models in both 2 wheel and AWD.

I had been interested in the Ford Ecotec engine in the F 150 and been considering that for purchase as well. I had crunched numbers on the Ecotech, but I didn't need a spreadsheet to figure out the cost savings in gas would take years to offset the higher purchase price.

Several publications at about that time, about a year a go, made the same observations. When I was considering the Sorento, it was immediately apparent that was the case with the GDI. It only gets 1 MPG more than the standard 4, why bother with it. None the less it is standard on the EX, which I test drove. It was to me clearly underpowered for California freeway driving. That is a matter of personal choice, but again, for only a 2 MPG difference for the greater power and torque of the V6, for me it was easy.

My point in all of this was that KIA has nothing to do with the EPA mileage ratings of their cars. Accusing them of being deceitful for stating EPA HWY miles on their advertising is absurd, EVERY carmaker does that. EPA mileage is for comparison between models and makes only.

It sounds like you have a possible defect with your GDI engine that should be uncovered and handled under warranty, although you did state that you achieved 25 MPG combined once. With most drivers, not achieving close to EPA mileage usually is a result of driving habits, load factor, under inflated tires, and % of highway vs. city.

I would suggest you contact the KIA Zone Service Manager, and make an appointment for him to examine the car on a dyno. If they don't work with you to resolve it, there are both state and Federal Lemon Laws that can use to force them to buy it back. Threatening them with class action lawsuits is not going to get you anywhere.

Good luck.

jawilson · October 2012

Im glad to know that you own your Sorentonot borrowed so you could engage our discussionbut on Sep 29, you posted, I have the V6 SX AWD, and my mileage is within +/- 3%. And I have had my Sorento 6 weeks, driven 1200 miles, and love it. You didnt say that you owned it.

Im also happy that you are gainfully employed, but on Sep 30, you wrote, I do not work in the car industry, or in a support industry either. I am a car enthusiast As you have time to write so much, I assumed you were simply a car enthusiast.

I have no problem with reading comprehension, but I am analytical and read between the lines. I do wish you would quote numbers more carefully, since you wrote that I achieved 25 MPG combined once, but it was 24, if you check my post last night. I am very sensitive about those numbers. That was under optimum conditions (95% highway, constant speed, no A/C,) and I was hoping that the dash reading of 29 would be closer to the actual mpg. My combined actual mpg is 20.9 so far.

Most of us with angst are disappointed owners who are looking for the fix to make the gas mileage what was promised by the salespeople (my wife gets 25 mpg on average and up to 32 on trips) and the EPA estimates.

I discussed my problem with the local service manager, who told me that I would need five fill-ups with receipts, and only then would they examine my Sorento for abnormalities. He is very competent, and his staff of mechanics are better than average, but what can he do if the problem is with the design? Ill be seeing him soon, but I need another fill-up since I lost the first receipt (rather embarrassing since I have receipts for all of my cars since 1966 with calculated mileage. Only my SUVs and my minivan were unable to get 32 mpgbut my VW bug, my Rabbits and the Squareback were underpowered compared to todays cars.)

Note that EPA estimates are for comparison between vehicles as well as for CAFE standards. I have prepared a number of tables directly from the EPA site highlighting the failure of certain manufacturers to have real-world numbers that match the estimates. You can read the data at KIA 2WD on the EPAs website http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=browseList2&make=Kia&model=Sorento%- 202WD and note the Shared MPG Estimates. Pay close attention to the range. Nobody is reporting above 26 mpg, and this years figures are less than last years. Compare other CUVs such as the Honda CR-V at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=browseList2&make=Honda&model=CR-V%2- 04WD Except for the 2011 model (2012 is a complete makeover) Shared MPG Estimates exceeds the EPAs Highway figure under range. Ill make my table available to anyone who is interested.

stever · October 2012

Unfortunately there's just a small handful of owners reporting at fueleconomy.gov.

There's a few more data points in the Consumer Reviews here.

There's also True Delta but you have to sign up to see most of the data.

side_show_tom · October 2012

Does the Lemon Law apply in your state for missed EPA Estimates? Obviously something is wrong, and they can't, or won't fix it.

Good luck!

side_show_tom · October 2012

Subscribe to them all, along with C&D, R&T.

Take them all with grain of salt. Edmunds has most and best info often.

sorentonation · October 2012

My 2004 MPG was 16 and 22 respectfully city and highway now with my 2013 EX V6 AWD I'm getting 26 and 36 respectfully...absolutely no complaints here.

Cheers;

mogal2 · October 2012

Hi All, I've been reading this forum with interest as I am considering buying a Sorento with the 4 cylinder, GDI engine--on the premise that it will get better gas mileage. We like the Sorento because it can hold 7 on the very few occasions that we need it, and it promises to get better mpg than any other 7 capacity vehicle I have come across. Ninety-five percent of my driving is in-town with only 2 small passengers, and I only drive about 20 miles round trip a day to and from work and school. I have driven the 4 cylinder, and it seemed to perform just fine for my needs, but the posts in this forum concern me. Is there anyone out there who has a GDI model that likes it?

side_show_tom · October 2012

Please go to Wikipedia and search GDI engines. You will find that GDI engines get their best mileage with highway driving, as the very exact fuel injection amounts available to direct injection allows them to operate very lean at a consistent speed. You state that 95% of your driving is city, so that means you would not be taking advantage of the GDI's lean technology most of the time, and your mileage would be closer to the city EPA ranking. In city driving the difference between the standard 4, and the GDI 4 is only a couple of miles. Since KIA charges $1600 more for the GDI, that additional mileage is going to take years to reach a payback.

In addition, many posters on here claim the EPA mileage figures for the GDI are inflated, and they get nowhere near that mileage. In my opinion, since these claims make up a minority of GDI drivers, there is a problem with engines ECU, which should be covered under warranty. If the KIA dealer can't get them close to the EPA mileage after several visits, they should have recourse through Federal and State Lemon Law buy backs.

My advice is to go with the V6. It's only 1K more than the standard 4.

onefunkar · October 2012

by the 4 cyl and make the government happy or buy the v6 and make yourself happy.

cmuniz · October 2012

The Sorento appears a good choice for your needs. It is an excellent value in the midsize SUV segment. The issue will be what engine? I have the GDI and don't get near the advertised mileage. The best I have done in all highway driving on trip from Texas to Michigan is 28 mpg. Normal daily driving in suburban environment I get about 23 mpg. I would compare those kinds of numbers to the other 4 and 6 cylinder engine choices and consider the pricing for each before making final decision. I do believe that the GDI has sufficient power for freeway access, etc but definitely doesn't get advertised mileage.

joehick · October 2012

If your getting that kind of mileage, you should be happy as sxxt.
I get anywhere between 12mpg and 14 city and maybe 18-20 highway.

side_show_tom · October 2012

Here is article from LA Times on how to use the Lemon Law in California to either fix, or exchange your vehicle. If you EPA MPG is substantially below what is listed for the vehicle, and they cannot fix it, you have recourse, and it is not that hard.

http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-five-lemon-20120930,0,2757139.story

bill2013 · October 2012

I have a 2012 Sorento GDI with approximately 16,000 miles on it. Since the first 2,000 miles, I have been complaining to the dealer about my highway gas mileage. The BEST I've done is 25.7. Their first story was that it needed to be broken in, and that would happen between 6 - 8,000 miles. At 8,500 miles, they said it would happen between 10-12,000 miles. At 12,000, they said it would happen between 14-16,000 miles. It hasn't improved. The dealer has it today and said they would try to find the problem. They gave me a courtesy Sorento to drive today, and it's getting 25 around town. Mine gets an average of 23-24 around town. I've taken quite a few highway trips, and while my best average was 25.7, most of the averages are in the 24's. That's a long way from the reported 32, or the 35 the salesman said he got on a vacation. I'll post results of my latest trip to the dealer.

mcknigal · October 2012

This is an interesting point about GDIs operating better at consistent speeds (eg highway), and one which makes a lot of sense. With that in mind, would you expect a 2012 Sorento to average 24.4 mpg over the course of 5 long (all-highway) family vacations? That's what I've observed in my Sorento. And that's 1.6mpg under the lower-end range on the sticker (26-38mpg). Note that on none of the 5 trips did I break the 26mpg barrier. Additionally, on two of those trips I *purposely* set cruise control at a very reasonable 65-70 mph to minimize the impact of the driver (me).

My local dealer continues to stonewall. They say that my 22.4 mpg vehicle average F.E. (over 20,200 miles total) is "within spec." Now they won't even follow up with the test drive they initially offered to do and they have not offered to look at the ECU. I'm not sure what spec they are talking about, given that my current driving pattern is > 50% highway. The combined fuel economy, based on 45:55 city:highway should be 25 mpg.

You do make a very valid point about the break-even economics on the GDI vs the regular 4cylinder. At $3.60/gallon and 20,000 miles per year, the difference is $227/year if you use the sticker HWY fuel economy number for each.

copper6749 · October 2012

I have 9000 miles on my Sorento all but one wheel pitting is anybody else having this problem. Car is garage kept and washed every 3 days. Used it only one winter so far and we had a very mild winter.

Kia Sorento Real World MPG

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